Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[lenquixote66]

16 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

I have driven in Manhattan several times. I don't like to say never, but never again. Metro North or Amtrak are the only ways I enter that city now.

My parents never owned a car .I grew up using public transportation.My wife’s parents also never owned a car..My wife and I went on vacation by Amtrak and Greyhound .We bought our first car in 1972.

[Ozark_Kid]

2 hours ago, harryfat1 said:

Ah, thanks for bringing back the memory of Osborne family. We saw them couple of times, the last time was 2011.

Thanks for posting the pics.  It got us looking at ours.  I realize I need to reorganize my pics.  While looking we got to enjoy a bunch of memories.  We found pics of a visit to Disneyland in May 2010.  I remember seeing the castle there for the first time. 😮 After being to WDW I could not believe how small it was.

 

Not sure if you know how the Osborne lights got to WDW.  @Sea Dog and @lenquixote66 might remember.  The lights at the Osborne house was attracting a lot of traffic so bad that some neighbors tried to shut it down.  The court limited the number of days and time the lights could be on.  It was taken all the way to the Supreme Court.  SC upheld the ruling.  Later the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered his display shut down entirely.  That is when WDW offered to display.

[Sea Dog]

59 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

That is when WDW offered to display.

You are correct in the story.

[bobmacliberty]

@Sea Dog - sorry for your loss. Sounds like the world lost a good musician and a better friend. 

[Bailey & Sophie]

 

Beautiful day here today. 90F and very low humidity. Had a picnic lunch at a nice park and then a drive around town and the lakes.

Tonight's dinner was Reuben egg rolls instead of a sandwich. So yummy.

 

[harryfat1]

49 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

Thanks for posting the pics.  It got us looking at ours.  I realize I need to reorganize my pics.  While looking we got to enjoy a bunch of memories.  We found pics of a visit to Disneyland in May 2010.  I remember seeing the castle there for the first time. 😮 After being to WDW I could not believe how small it was.

 

Not sure if you know how the Osborne lights got to WDW.  @Sea Dog and @lenquixote66 might remember.  The lights at the Osborne house was attracting a lot of traffic so bad that some neighbors tried to shut it down.  The court limited the number of days and time the lights could be on.  It was taken all the way to the Supreme Court.  SC upheld the ruling.  Later the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered his display shut down entirely.  That is when WDW offered to display.

Yes, I'm old enough to remember the history of the Osborne family. The Travel Channel had Samantha Brown go down there one year to talk to the imagineers who designed the Christmas displays at HS. Think they say they start work on it after Labor Day to get that many lights up by November.

 

As for organizing pictures, I have the typical hard drive back up by month/event. Then I also upload my pics to Shutterfly for backup storage.  When I was younger, I used to create special web sites within Shutterfly to write my own daily trip report detailing out our vacation and forward the link to friends & family for them to see. 

 

We went to Japan for 18 days in 2019. Spent 3 days in Tokyo Disney land and Disney Sea. My bucket list is to visit all the Disney parks in the world. If not for Covid, we would probably be in Paris Disneyland this summer.

 

If you like big castle, Google Hong Kong Disneyland's new castle. They just renovated.

 

Here's a picture of Tokyo Disneyland's castle:

 

 

They don't have the traditional main street walkway. It's covered and changed name to World Bazaars.

 

 

Bet you normally don't see many kimonos at any other Disney parks...

 

 

Or finding the Alien mochi desserts in the US parks:

 

 

Here's what it looks inside for people who hasn't eaten mochi before:

 

 

Will share more Tokyo Disney pics at end of my current Disneyland trip...

 

 

[bobmacliberty]

Wrapping up a great wedding weekend in Buffalo. Both the wedding ceremony and the reception were flawless. Plenty of opportunity to enjoy some Blue and Blue Light. That seems to be the beer of choice here now. We all stayed in the Village of Williamsville where I grew up. The Main Street area has lots of great restaurants and bars and is very walkable. I had to show my family Glen Falls near our hotel. 

Had lunch today at the original Anchor Bar where I of course had wings with the original medium sauce. Very good but I still prefer Duff’s for wings. 

 

We then had a boat tour on Lake Erie from Buffalo’s Erie Basin Marina. Perfect weather again…about 77F and partly sunny. It was a great way to wind down the weekend.

 

I don’t get to see my brother’s and sister’s families as much as I used to and it’s always great when we’re all together. Our kids, the cousins, get along really well and are now all grown with jobs, getting married, and starting families. Headed back to Florida tomorrow. Looks like we will avoid meeting Fred. 

[Bailey & Sophie]

 

My TSOTD is a white St John's Bay from the exclusive and luxurious J. C. Penney line. Tomorrow I might wear the black one.

[mets07]

Beautiful sky this evening.  We were leaving a baseball game in Rockland County,  New York.  The New York Boulders are part of the independent Frontier League,  a partner of Major League Baseball. 

 

We were with our son and two grandchildren ages 4 and 2. We without planning ran into my husband's brother and his wife, one of their daughters and her husband, their six children and some of their friends.  Quite a scene!

 

Two sunset photos and one a bit earlier.

 

[harryfat1]

Day 3 of the Disneyland trip report - Set the alarm for 6:45 to make sure I am awake for the Rise of Resistance virtual queue. Besides setting my cell phone alarm, I called the front desk to request a wake up call at 6:50. Never got it. My wife said I'm too old school in still requesting hotel wake up in the age of cell phone apps. Sigh. Old habit hard to die.

 

Anyway, here's the official Disney app on what you need to do.

 

 

 

With the Force with us, we were able to snag boarding group 43 on the first day. Woohoo!

 

 

 

 

But before going, time for hotel breakfast. Left side has bread/cereal. Right side is the hot stuff. 

 

 

 

Due to covid, they pre wrap all the bread items 

 

 

 

[harryfat1]

After breakfast, time to think lunch. Remember the Costco run from previous day? Here's the food we are taking to the parks. Not everyone knows that Disney allows you to bring food into the parks. You can save a ton of money by bringing in your own food. Not to mention the line to order food is typically long. 

 

Each person gets a lunch box.

 

Tons of people. The concept of social distancing is no more. Impossible to social distance with this many people.

 

Locker is your best friend at Disney parks. Get one as soon as you get to the parks. Drop off the food and whatever else there and come back later to retrieve it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[FromSea2ShiningSea]

3 minutes ago, harryfat1 said:

After breakfast, time to think lunch. Remember the Costco run from previous day? Here's the food we are taking to the parks. Not everyone knows that Disney allows you to bring food into the parks. You can save a ton of money by bringing in your own food. Not to mention the line to order food is typically long. 

 

Each person gets a lunch box.

 

Tons of people. The concept of social distancing is no more. Impossible to social distance with this many people.

 

Locker is your best friend at Disney parks. Get one as soon as you get to the parks. Drop off the food and whatever else there and come back later to retrieve it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When they first reopened in May, they allowed 25% capacity.  At that capacity we thought it'd be great, a breeze to get around and get through all the rides.  But it felt very crowded.  Lines were still long.  They had ropes for queues for the rides and the round stickers on the ground for 6' social distancing.  Okay, fine, you are 6' from the person in front of you and back of you but not next the person next to you.  You are literally smack close to that person so no social distancing there.  We couldn't imagine what it'd be like if it was at full capacity.  But we were still so excited and thrilled to be there to be a part of their reopening.

 

I'm glad they allow people to bring their own food.  We bought food there the first day.  You have to order food from the app and they notify you when it's ready for pickup.  The second day, we packed our own lunch.  It does save some $$$.

 

Group #43 for Rise of the Resistance!  That's fantastic!

 

I have a couple friends who love Disneyland and they have run the Disney marathons and also ran the Paris ones three years in a row.  Their goal is to visit every Disney Park in the world, too.

[harryfat1]

44 minutes ago, FromSea2ShiningSea said:

 

When they first reopened in May, they allowed 25% capacity.  At that capacity we thought it'd be great, a breeze to get around and get through all the rides.  But it felt very crowded.  Lines were still long.  They had ropes for queues for the rides and the round stickers on the ground for 6' social distancing.  Okay, fine, you are 6' from the person in front of you and back of you but not next the person next to you.  You are literally smack close to that person so no social distancing there.  We couldn't imagine what it'd be like if it was at full capacity.  But we were still so excited and thrilled to be there to be a part of their reopening.

 

I'm glad they allow people to bring their own food.  We bought food there the first day.  You have to order food from the app and they notify you when it's ready for pickup.  The second day, we packed our own lunch.  It does save some $$$.

 

Group #43 for Rise of the Resistance!  That's fantastic!

 

I have a couple friends who love Disneyland and they have run the Disney marathons and also ran the Paris ones three years in a row.  Their goal is to visit every Disney Park in the world, too.

Yeah, Disney originally announced they started at 25% capacity but then it went to 35% and supposedly more now but they are not publishing the current numbers but I think they are increasing capacity ahead of the new annual pass program.

 

On our day 7 of the trip, they increased the park  closing hour from 10 to 11. It was at 10 for last couple of months so they are slowly ramping up. The typical pre covid summertime closing is midnight so they are getting close.

 

As for group 34, it was pure luck. Few days later when we tried to get it again, I got kicked out in about 10 seconds. Shouldn't be this way.  Now it's a question of how fast your hotel wifi speed is/your phone carrier's  coverage of your hotel/speed of your phone as whether or not you can experience the attraction.

 

As for food, Disney charges outrageous prices such as 4 for soda and 3 for bottle of water. Not paying for that...

 

 

 

Edited August 16, 2021 by harryfat1

[harryfat1]

When my kids were young, we got the annual Disneyland passes for 2 consecutive years. To fully take advantage of the annual pass,  we would drive the 800 mile round trip to So Cal from bay area every time the kids are out of school. Cheapo dad is all about maximizing value.

 

So we pretty much know our way around Disneyland. But everytime we go to WDW's Magic Kingdom,  I get thrown for a loop as the position of rides are slightly different such as Big Thunder mountain on other side of the River.

 

At any rate, first ride of the day was Splash Mountain. During the summer, the wait time in afternoon for the ride gets crazy long as people want to get wet from the splash so they go on it from late morning to dinnertime. So to be the crowd, we wanted to do it first thing. Besides, I love the music. Will be sad when Disney bows to the poltical correct movement and retheme this ride later next year.

 

 

 

If you want a good splash mountain photo, be sure to look at the camera to the right as you are going down. Yeah, I know, easier said than done. 

 

Here's is us on the ride. The wife and the boys were looking down but I kept my eye on the camera.  

 

ZIp a dee doo-dah...

 

Oh, yeah, Cheapo dad not buying the Disney photo at the outrageous price.  This screen shot is good enough for me...

 

For those with keen eyes, you will notice Disneyland has different version of the ride compared to WDW.

 

https://www.bestoforlando.com/articles/splash-mountain-disneyland-vs-walt-disney-world/

 

 

 

[sgmn]

7 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

My father came by ship to the US from Liverpool in 1913.

Interesting Lenny, do you still have family over here ?

[grapau27]

10 hours ago, sgmn said:

My thinking was that it's a long way to go from the port and I would worry about getting back to the ship on time if I wasn't on a ships tour. 

Thanks for the info though , I'll look into it 😀 

Sue.

We had a short break in Belfast a few years ago and it gave us plenty of time to visit the Titanic museum,The Crum prison do shopping etc.

We didn't do the Giants causeway but will do next time we visit.

Take care.

Graham.

 

Edited August 16, 2021 by grapau27

[island lady]

Hello my "Routine" friends!  Yes, clear (and cold at 52 degrees) this morning gave me a quick signal on my cell.  Weather is weird.  Was up to 90 and humid two days ago, had to drag out the room A/C from the back shed to set it up in the bedroom for the first time.  Thing was too small for the window...had to make custom modifications with scrap wood (Luckily Bucky is handyman to have around 😉 ).  Now...it's back to seasonal cold.   Went from light capris and short sleeve shirt back to jeans, cotton turtle neck. covered with a fleece top...still feel chilly. 😮 

 

Traveled up to Lincoln Maine yesterday (always love the view of Maine's tallest peak, Mount Katahdin).   Met with realtor there to look at two houses on local lakes...ummm...no...uggg. Nasty location set up for both houses.😛   It's been tough house hunting here.  And of course...it's a seller's market...or at least it was.  Lots of price drops going on, with season coming to an end.  

 

Looking forward to the transfer to rental home #5 on Saturday.  Full WIFI,...all the comforts of a modern and new cottage included.  🤗  Have a great week everyone.  

[grapau27]

Good afternoon.

It is a pleasant 70°F in the sun today although we have also had a few heavy rain showers.

Pauline is working from home and I have rang a few customers and been out to the post office to post several letters.

Stay safe everyone 😷.

[grapau27]

4 minutes ago, island lady said:

Hello my "Routine" friends!  Yes, clear (and cold at 52 degrees) this morning gave me a quick signal on my cell.  Weather is weird.  Was up to 90 and humid two days ago, had to drag out the room A/C from the back shed to set it up in the bedroom for the first time.  Thing was too small for the window...had to make custom modifications with scrap wood (Luckily Bucky is handyman to have around 😉 ).  Now...it's back to seasonal cold.   Went from light capris and short sleeve shirt back to jeans, cotton turtle neck. covered with a fleece top...still feel chilly. 😮 

 

Traveled up to Lincoln Maine yesterday (always love the view of Maine's tallest peak, Mount Katahdin).   Met with realtor there to look at two houses on local lakes...ummm...no...uggg. Nasty location set up for both houses.😛   It's been tough house hunting here.  And of course...it's a seller's market...or at least it was.  Lots of price drops going on, with season coming to an end.  

 

Looking forward to the transfer to rental home #5 on Saturday.  Full WIFI,...all the comforts of a modern and new cottage included.  🤗  Have a great week everyone.  

Nice to hear from you Pat.

It sounds like you are having a varied and excellent vacation.

Take care and have a nice weekend too.

[Keksie]

75F here this morning with highs to the low 80s.  Rain and wind or maybe not depending on exactly where Fred comes ashore.  TSOD is ECWR volunteer shirt in green.  Tomorrow will be the same but Wednesday it will be Cozumel from Del Sol.  

[xpcdoojk]

16 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

She needs to stretch. 
 

 

And relax. 
 

 

 

I took Owen to ball practice this morning with the GT. The bat barely fits behind my seat. Ball bag and cleats fit under the hood. 
 

 

After the drop off I went to Timmies and sat outside with my coffee and watched the stationary car show. Always fun to watch people looking at the GT. 

 

When I was getting ready to leave I talked with two families with young children for about 10 minutes. Kids are the future for the car culture so it is always important to give them time. 
 

 

SWEET!

[Sea Dog]

11 hours ago, bobmacliberty said:

Had lunch today at the original Anchor Bar

I've eaten there. Great place. Happy that the wedding was a big success and you got to spend some quality time with your family. Safe travels back home.

[Sunshine3601]

8 hours ago, harryfat1 said:

Yeah, Disney originally announced they started at 25% capacity but then it went to 35% and supposedly more now but they are not publishing the current numbers but I think they are increasing capacity ahead of the new annual pass program.

 

On our day 7 of the trip, they increased the park  closing hour from 10 to 11. It was at 10 for last couple of months so they are slowly ramping up. The typical pre covid summertime closing is midnight so they are getting close.

 

As for group 34, it was pure luck. Few days later when we tried to get it again, I got kicked out in about 10 seconds. Shouldn't be this way.  Now it's a question of how fast your hotel wifi speed is/your phone carrier's  coverage of your hotel/speed of your phone as whether or not you can experience the attraction.

 

As for food, Disney charges outrageous prices such as 4 for soda and 3 for bottle of water. Not paying for that...

 

 

 

We did the same as you.   I remember paying crazy prices for hamburgers for us and our boys and the burgers were gross and didn't get eaten.    That night I went to Publix and picked up a bunch of stuff to pack our lunches, snacks and water bottles after our first day of paying for lunch, dinner and beverages

[George C]

11 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

I've eaten there. Great place. Happy that the wedding was a big success and you got to spend some quality time with your family. Safe travels back home.

We had terrible service on our last visit to anchor bar, lots of places better , love bar bills in East Aurora , which is Josh Allen’s favorite (bills QB)

[dani negreanu]

Thanks to

 

@harryfat1

@Bailey & Sophie

@mets07

@Keksie  and

@bobmacliberty

 

for posting such beautiful pictures and reviews 🙏